Learn as much as possible about your disease. Arm yourself with information in order to lessen frustration. Don't hesitate to ask questions about your disease. Consider keeping a notebook with all of the medical records and information about your diagnosis....more

Grieving is a normal response to a loss. The loss can include the loss of your normal daily routine, the impact of the diagnosis on other family members, and the financial impact of the diagnosis....more

You have come to the decision with your healthcare provider to try an antidepressant medicine for depression. To take antidepressant drugs medicine safely, you will need some information, which you can find here....more

If someone you love has cancer, you probably feel sad, angry, and confused. It's OK to feel this way. Cancer is a serious disease. Your loved one is sick. He or she will need to see the healthcare provider a lot. It can help to learn more about cancer....more

Treatment for cancer can cause many changes that may affect your sexuality. It can also change the physical or emotional closeness you share with another person. Different treatments can cause different physical and psychological changes that can affect how you feel, look, and function. These changes may be temporary, or they may last a long time....more

Palliative care focuses on improving a patient’s quality of life by improving the symptoms of his or her illness, such as pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping. It's used with a variety of ailments, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney failure, or congestive heart failure....more

The two major laws that exist to ensure that anyone with a disability or anyone dealing with a health crisis is not discriminated against are the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act....more

You have rights under federal and state laws to help you buy and keep coverage. But these rights are not comprehensive, and they may vary depending on where you live, what kind of coverage you have or seek, and other factors....more

After cancer treatment ends, you may find that you still feel tired and unable to do the things you want and need to do. Fatigue is a very common problem for cancer survivors. It may last for months or even years after cancer treatment ends....more

"Formal" caregivers are paid for their services and have had training and education in providing care. "Informal" caregivers, also called family caregivers, are people who provide care to family or friends, usually without payment....more

More than 22 million Americans are involved in some form of helping elderly family members or friends with their daily routines. If you're part of this group, whether you call yourself a caregiver, or simply a good daughter or son, you know that caring for an aging parent or friend has its rewards and its trials....more

Palliative care can be provided in the hospital, at home, or in a setting specializing in such care. The duration may be long-term over several years, or short-term, lasting days or weeks. Palliative care may include chemotherapy or radiation for pain control....more

Hospice care usually involves relieving symptoms and providing psychological and social support for the patient and family. The goal of hospice care is to provide the terminally ill patient peace, comfort, and dignity....more

Hospice is made up of a team of caregivers who specialize in end-of-life care. This team usually includes doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, home health aides, and trained volunteers. Here are some details to help with end-of-life care....more

Home healthcare services may be paid for directly by the patient, through insurance coverage, or through other public or private sources. Most hospice care programs are provided to the patient regardless of the patient's ability to pay....more